Extension
It Starts With Us
Life Skills Development 2020-25
Strengthening Individuals & Families
Tyler Miller, Jody Paver
Child Development General
Family Development General
Financial Education - General
Kentucky Extension Homemaker Association
With continued economic struggles, it is more important than ever, for community members to develop important life skills that will help them become more educated, contributing members of society. Kentucky consistently lags behind other states in household income indicators, including personal income, percent of population living below the poverty line, unemployment, and revolving debt.
In the US, only one-third of high school seniors are college-ready, and only one-third of high school graduates are work-ready (US Dept of Education). In Kentucky, nearly 45 percent of graduates do not attend college and only 5 percent obtain technical training (Kentucky Dept of Education). Schools continue to place less emphasis on life skills development as they strive to meet state academic expectations. Youth also receive less training in basic home and consumer skills at home since many live in households where both parents/guardians work.
According to the 2019 Kentucky Extension Community Assessment Report, participants identified increased job skills training and life skills training programs as important areas of focus for the Extension Service.
More than 27% of Lincoln County families with children live below the poverty line and over 20% of those age 65 and over live below the poverty line (Kentucky: By The Numbers Report).
It is imperative that we help individuals manage the challenges and discover the positive aspects of life transitions and growing older. It is also imperative that we empower individuals and families to secure and manage their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter; and articulate and apply smart financial behaviors related to goal setting, budgeting, analysis of credit and contracts, risk management, online and personal safety, saving and investing, and use of financial services.
- More self-sufficient families
- Youth and adults increase self-worth and self-esteem and manage resources efficiently, to improve their economic situation
- More effective employees and community leaders, as well as increased career enjoyment
- Better investments and savings, better/more independent aging, overall improved economic well-being, and a more secure, stable home environment and quality of life--resulting in improved financial capabilities for stronger families
- Youth, families, and adults improve communication, financial management, social interaction and decision-making skills in order to strengthen their family and financial situation.
- Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.
- Youth will demonstrate increased college and career-readiness and completion of other post-secondary programs.
- Life skills attained will prepare youth, families and adults to meet the challenges of everyday life.
- Families and individuals will learn life skills that are necessary to maintain and improve their household situation.
- Families and individuals will be capable of locating local resources and how to use them while also improving social interaction skills.
- Participants will increase financial literacy related to savings and investments. They will show increased knowledge and skills related to managing available financial and non-financial resources.
- Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.
- Youth will demonstrate mastery of basic life skills such as food preparation, public speaking, budgeting, resume-building while also attaining higher graduation rates and increased entry into post-secondary programs.
- Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and aspirations, to improve employability through work and practical living skills and continuing education practices.
- Individuals will learn employable skills setting them apart from the rest of the field.
- Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge and skills related to managing financial resources, including savings, credit, and financial planning.
Indicator: Survey results
Method: Survey
Timeline: At conclusion of programs
Intermediate Outcome: Individuals will adopt short, mid, and long-term financial planning strategies and will practice one or more resource management behaviors resulting in increased savings or investments.?
Indicator: Increased number of families utilizing financial planning strategies
Method: Survey
Timeline: 2+ years
Long-term Outcome: More effective employees and community leaders, as well as increased career enjoyment.?
Indicator: Survey results
Method: Survey
Timeline: 4+ years
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Audience: 3rd – 12th grade
Activity: 4-H STEM Programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum and local business and community leaders
Inputs: Volunteer leaders, local schools, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals, Lincoln County Schools.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary).
Date: September – May
Audience: 3rd – 12th grade
Audience: County Youth
Activity: 4-H Camp and Cloverbud Camp
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: Youth ages 9 and up
Activity: 4-H Communications Events
Content or Curriculum: 4-H curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: all year
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Creative Clovers
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: all year
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Day Camps
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: 4-H Teen Club
Activity: 4-H International Program
Content or Curriculum: 4-H'ers and families in other states
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local doctors’ offices, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Summer
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Club Meetings, classroom and community clubs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, physical therapy offices, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, hospitals.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary),, local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Continuous throughout year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Newsletters
Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Quarterly
Audience: General Public
Activity: Radio Programs and Social Media Efforts
Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Daily
Audience: General Public
Activity: Sewing Workshops
Content: FCS Publications
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary),local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: All Year
Audience: General Public
Activity: "Makers' Classes
Content or Curriculum: FCS information
Inputs:Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: All Year
Audience: Youth
Activity: 4-H Shooting Sports
Content or Curriculum: Certified Leaders and 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Continuous throughout year
Audience: General Public, Farm Families
Activity: Farm Taxes/Record-keeping
Content or Curriculum: Ag and FCS information
Inputs:Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Upon Request by Clientele
Audience: General Public
Activity: Budgeting and Resource Management
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Upon Request by Clientele
Audience: General Public
Activity: Works in Progress, hands on project assistance days
Content or Curriculum: FCS Materials
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: All Year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Food Preparation/Preservation
Content or Curriculum: FCS Curriculum
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Throughout the year
Audience: General Public
Activity: Family Outreach
Content or Curriculum: Current 4-H, FCS & Ag information
Inputs: Lincoln County Cattleman’s Association, livestock leaders, volunteer leaders, local schools, Lincoln County Fair Board, Vo-Ag Program, FCS Program, FCCLA , FFA, Farm Bureau, Early Childhood and Head Start Programs, Family Resource Centers, Youth Service Center, local businesses, and community partners.
Facilities used will include the Lincoln County Extension Office, Lincoln County Schools (high, middle, and elementary), local businesses, various other community agencies, and fairgrounds.
Date: Throughout the year at community events, Floral Hall, and planned Partnership Events
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
FCS, 4-H, and AG programs have worked collaboratively with the community garden at the Lincoln County Health Department and the on site Outdoor Garden Classroom at the Lincoln County Extension Office. The garden was used as a teaching garden and allowed 4-H families, and FCS families and seniors involved in the construction of the beds, the filling with dirt, planting, and sustaining the garden. The SNAP Gardening publications were used along with the Healthy Choices Curriculum, Savo
Author: Jody Paver
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
All About Me!! “Spa Day” EventAugust 5, 2024Background and DataAs a Lincoln County Middle School teacher, before, during, and after COVID, it was very clear to Jody Paver and other educational professionals across Lincoln County the large number of students who have low self-esteem, low self-confidence, and many personal struggles which impact their success in the classroom, their social development, and quality of life itself. When everyone was wearing a mask, a protecti
